Social Housing Scottish Annual Conference Agenda 2019

09:00 - Chair's opening remarks

09:05 – Navigating a new political & economic landscape

With the proposed second independence referendum, a devolution review announced and Brexit looming large, the Scottish political landscape is set for change. Hear from our renowned keynote speaker on what he thinks is next – and what it could mean for the economy, public spending and housing.

Keynote speaker: Bill Jamieson, economist, columnist and former executive editor of The Scotsman

09:40 – The future for housing: looking beyond the numbers

The Scottish Government is ‘on track’ to hit its 50,000 affordable homes new build target by 2021. But is it enough? And what happens next? Our panel will consider progress to date, and look beyond the target to what a longer-term housing strategy should be. Collaboration, new ways to deliver, planning, and addressing changing demographics are set to feature.

Speakers:

Nicola Barclay, chief executive, Homes for Scotland

Patrick Flynn, head of housing & regeneration services, Glasgow City Council

Mark Henderson, chief executive, Home Group

Peter Martin, group director – Development, Sanctuary

10:25 – Making our social housing fit for purpose

Investing in communities is an essential part of the housing challenge, with affordability, quality and tenant engagement at the fore. This session will consider the logistical, financial and social considerations around strategic asset management, making existing homes fit for purpose and the role of regeneration.

Speakers:

Neil Manley, director of finance & corporate support, Queens Cross HA

Allan Briggs, associate director, JLL

Councillor Heather McVey, convener of communities and housing, North Lanarkshire Council

11:05 - Morning break

11:30 - The view from the regulator

In what is now a staple of the Social Housing conferences, the director of regulation for the Scottish Housing Regulator will provide a view on the new framework, while delving into the detail around data and reporting, treasury management, sustainable finances and governance, new build and insights from its recent work with RSLs.

11:55 – Assurance and statutory intervention: lessons learned

Following on from the regulatory update, this session will cover the history of statutory intervention to date, lessons learned, and what steps RSLs should take to avoid the cost of intervention.

Speakers:

John Mulholland, statutory manager appointed under S58 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010

Kelly Adams, partner, RSM

Stuart Heslop, managing director, Real estate finance, RBS

Ian Brennan, director of regulation, Scottish Housing Regulator

12:35 - Commercial and social – a balance to strike?

What is the appropriate social and commercial balance to strike as an RSL?Should the sector be more commercial when it comes to governance? This quick-fire Q&A session will consider topics including assurances and leadership skills, commercial risk, board pay and investor relations.

Speakers:

Gary Dalziel, CEO, Elderpark HA

Laura Calder, vice chair, Muirhouse Housing Association

Nick Pollard, director of corporate support services, Kingdom HA

13:05 – Lunch

14:05 – The investment case for social housing

Despite unprecedented economic and political uncertainty, an increasing number of funders are investing in the Scottish social housing sector. Hear from the investment community on how the market views the sector risk profile, the process of structuring new funding, what they look for when assessing the credit quality of HAs, and how investor objectives compare with those of social landlords.

Speakers:

Fenella Edge, Group treasurer, The Housing Finance Corporation

Mark Davie, head of social housing, M&G Investments

Karin Erlander, director, S&P

Henrietta Podd, director, Allia

14:45 – Thinking differently about funding & partnerships

Partnerships continue to be a growing trend in affordable housing when it comes to delivery, investment models and funding arrangements. This session will explore some of the alternative approaches seen in the sector, including equity models, government partnerships, charitable bonds and joint ventures.

Speakers:

William Kyle, fund director, PfP Capital

Jon Turner, CEO, Link Group

Ciaran O'Shea, business development director, Mears

15:25 – Afternoon break

15:45 – How sound is the business plan?

How agile are RSL business plans – and what are organisations doing to stress tests against the unknowns? We hear what’s on the risk map, and what mitigation strategies are in place when it comes to welfare reform and fuel poverty, rising rent levels, value for money and pensions.

Speakers:

Steven Henderson, group director of finance, Wheatley Group

Julie Cosgrove, CEO, Caledonia HA

16:20 – Getting to the heart of housing: interactive Q&A

A chance for the audience to debate with our panel about the state of social housing and the future role of registered social landlords.